Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, over the years, there's been ongoing discussion and meetings on preserving fresh water here in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we just heard over the news that the oil sands in McMurray is about to get a green light to expand the oil sands, or has it already been given a green light from the federal government? I may be a bit too late on the newsflash. The Fort McMurray oil sands is of interest to all of us here in the great north. The water passage, the water flow system from McMurray to the NWT are all interconnected to the communities, however you want to look at it, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, water is sacred to us, the people of the North; especially those that oversee the management of water, land and wildlife: the aboriginal governments. We have always protected and preserved the clean, healthy water for our consumption, and for the respected neighbouring species and wildlife.

Mr. Speaker, I can only speak specifically to the Tlicho Agreement, an agreement that was signed off by this Government of the Northwest Territories. There are some important chapters we must keep in mind when dealing with the water and land management. First is chapter 21 of the Tlicho Agreement, since the water is of high importance here in the North. Chapter 21 explains the water rights and management. Also chapter 22, land and water regulations. Mr. Speaker, we have to respect these important chapters. The word, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Mahsi.

---Applause